Chapter 487 - Rob Marshall

For example, let's talk about costumes. The most criticized aspect of the original version was the unattractive attire and outfits that many believed made the whole movie appear vulgar.

Laila was determined not to let that happen again. With the collaboration on "Pirates of the Caribbean," she believed that the talented costume designer she had worked with on that project would be willing to collaborate once more. An internationally renowned costume designer and their team would surely enhance the appearance of every character in the movie.

After meeting with the scriptwriter Bill Condon, Laila learned what she had always wanted to know about the person responsible for the original "Chicago." Because the script was about to be born, it was the result of that person's collaboration with her.

Rob Marshall was someone who truly emerged from Broadway, partly due to his time in the television industry and his association with the owner of Miramax Films. The owner admired his talent and was willing to give him a chance.

One day, Marshall learned of the owner's interest in the Broadway musical "Chicago." His dream was to bring this production to the big screen. When he shared his idea with the owner, it turned out to align perfectly with the owner's thoughts. So, he brought in Bill Condon and together they wrote the script.

With high ambitions, he presented the script to the owner, but what he didn't anticipate was that, although the owner loved it, he decided to collaborate with Disney.

The owner had good intentions. The fact that musicals were not very profitable was an objective reality. Even if he wasn't aiming to make a lot of money, he didn't want to incur significant losses. Thus, bringing in a well-funded heavyweight was necessary. Only those financially robust big companies would be willing to make art films destined to run at a loss to contend in the awards season.

The subsequent events were well-known to all. Disney received the script and discussed it with the relevant parties. Yolanda suggested Laila as the director, which was met with mockery. In the end, due to various twists and turns, Laila ended up taking on the script.

Laila found Rob Marshall through the scriptwriter. She believed that the level of success reached by the original "Chicago" in her previous life was inseparable from Rob Marshall. He was a product of Broadway, which gave him an advantage she lacked. If she wanted to improve Broadway plays for the screen, she needed an expert.

Consequently, Rob, who had already proven his ability in her previous life, became the most trustworthy choice. Of course, the condition was whether he was willing to join.

When you really want to adapt your favorite stage play into a film and finally get a chance, and your boss just happens to like it and is willing to provide you with that opportunity, you spend a lot of time writing and revising the script. Then, your boss reads the script and thinks it's excellent, but the person chosen to direct the film is not you...

How many people would calmly accept this situation where a new director, much younger at 22, comes in and takes away all the credit? 

At least, Laila thought someone like Rob, who had already achieved considerable success, wouldn't accept this "humiliation." But you never know until you try it. To express her sincerity, she arranged a meeting at a time convenient for both of them and went to Rob's home in Hollywood.

In Hollywood, the wealth gap was quite substantial. Well-known actors could live in luxurious Beverly Hills mansions, while young people who had just arrived to pursue their dreams might struggle to afford even a modest apartment.

Rob had been in Hollywood for quite a few years. Born in 1960, he initially designed dance choreography for musicals on Broadway. Later, he was invited to design dance choreography for a television musical series and received several Tony and Emmy awards. He could be considered quite successful in the world of Broadway.

His home was located on the top floor of a high-end apartment building, offering a favorable location and beautiful scenery. According to Bill, he occasionally entertained friends on the rooftop, which was adorned with numerous plants. He seemed to be a very friendly and capable person.

Laila believed in his capability, but as for his friendliness... she could only hope it was as good as she had been told. Honestly, she hadn't met many people who were both talented and easygoing. The more talented people were, the more they tended to have strong personalities. Someone like Janet, for instance, would bite back like a cornered rabbit if her professional abilities were questioned.

"Hello, Director Moran."

Upon opening the door, Laila was greeted by a calmly composed middle-aged man. He had slightly curly short hair and a bit of stubble on his face.

"Hello, Mr. Marshall." She followed him into the room and took a quick glance around at the decor. The Nordic-style furnishings gave the apartment a neat and clean look, but it also felt a bit sterile. In comparison, she preferred the modern Chinese style, which was simpler yet retained distinctive Chinese features.

Well, she didn't come here to inspect the decor.

Once they both settled in the living room, Laila declined any refreshments and got straight to the point.

"Mr. Marshall, I'm here to ask if you would be interested in serving as the associate director for 'Chicago'."

Rob looked at her, seemingly surprised by her direct approach.

"Why me?"

Laila smiled slightly. "Because I believe 'Chicago' needs you."

"..." Rob fell silent for a moment. "It's yours now."

Laila understood that his words meant that "Chicago" originally belonged to him and was taken away by her, even if indirectly.

"Mr. Marshall, I think you've probably heard about me. Starting from three years ago, I've only collaborated with other companies on one film. It means I'm very selective about scripts. If 'Chicago' hadn't deeply captivated me, I wouldn't have chosen to collaborate with Disney. You see, my company is preparing two major productions, and as long as I give the word, they will both be mine."

Her meaning was simple: she wasn't lacking in film projects. The reason she set her sights on "Chicago" was purely due to her fondness for it. Why was she fond of it? It must be because of the script, which was so good that it made her consider what would come next. This was her indirect way of complimenting his abilities.

Rob recognized the unspoken compliment in her words and felt slightly better. However, he couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. He had put so much effort into creating a work that he believed was a rare opportunity for himself, only to make it a wedding dress for someone else. Moreover, that "someone else" had plenty of opportunities at her disposal. All she had to do was choose, and everything was hers. In the meantime, he had lost the only opportunity he had been waiting for.

"Director Moran, what exactly do you want me to do?"

"I've already said I'd like you to be my associate director."

Rob's gaze turned cold. "I don't need your charity!"

Laila, however, burst into laughter. "Mr. Marshall, do you really believe that your talent needs my charity to secure this position?"